State expects upgraded WARN Act portal to go live in April

“Improving user experience is a top priority to the Department and embracing technological solutions is helping us fulfill that mission,” Roberta Reardon, commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor, said. “These latest improvements will help employers give workers a heads-up about closures and layoffs. Early warnings help shorten the time that employees are collecting Unemployment Insurance benefits, and therefore reduce employer liability associated with layoffs. We want to ensure that every impacted employee has every advantage possible to swiftly secure new careers.” 

The upgrades are designed to give affected employees more time to transition, seek new employment opportunities, or enter workforce-training programs to find new careers. Once a WARN Act notice is submitted, NYSDOL’s Division of Workforce and Employment Solutions works with local workforce-development boards, community stakeholders, and businesses to “rapidly connect” impacted workers to new careers and job opportunities, Hochul’s office said. 

“This new WARN Act portal and improvements to WARN Act regulations are critically necessary measures to reduce the administrative burden for businesses while providing New Yorkers in need with comprehensive support,” Hochul said. “By upgrading systems and regulations at the Department of Labor, my administration is embracing 21st century measures to simplify and streamline processes, enhance customer service, and better connect New York jobseekers with fulfilling work opportunities.” 

The new WARN Act portal will allow employers to submit documentation, provide lists of impacted workers, and send other important information directly to NYSDOL “in real time.”